Kevin De Bruyne admits ‘last year was difficult’ for Napoli after surgery, but he the goal against Genoa can be a fresh start. ‘I hope to have an injury-free season and enjoy my football.’
The Belgium international arrived as a free agent last summer from Manchester City and promptly suffered a serious thigh tear that required an operation, then expressed frustration with Antonio Conte’s tactics.
Now he is working under Max Allegri, came off the bench and scored in the opening Serie A match of the season away to Genoa, also setting up Antonio Vergara for the second goal.
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De Bruyne hoping for full Napoli experience
“I’m happy, it was a difficult game, especially in the beginning,” De Bruyne told Sky Sport Italia.
“After 20-25 minutes the team started to control, and in the second half we were pushing good. Obviously, we scored the two goals in the end, nice to start with a victory and keep a clean sheet as well.”
It does feel as if Napoli fans only ever got brief glimpses of what the former Manchester City man is capable of, and it’s not clear when he’ll be back in the starting XI.
“Last year was difficult, to have surgery like this and be out for five months. I think I started well last year, but it’s really hard to return in March when everyone else is in top form.
“I’ve only been here two weeks because of the World Cup, I think I’m doing well, I’m trying to help the team and hope to have an injury-free season, and I hope that I can enjoy my football,” continued De Bruyne.
It was because of his injury record that Manchester City decided not to offer him a new contract, allowing the midfielder to leave for free in 2025.
“I’ve been playing 18 years, obviously the last three years have been difficult, I had two surgeries and a hernia. I try to work hard and help the team, and they will help me too.
“Last season we finished second, which wasn’t bad, but we hope to do better this time.”
